Tue Jan 06 21:25:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: “Zameen” Exhibition in Kolkata Explores Complex Relationship Between Land, Identity, and Conflict

The Story:
A month-long art exhibition titled “Zameen” (land) is set to open in Kolkata on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture. Curated by Ina Puri, the exhibition features works by present-day artists from across India exploring the multifaceted significance of land in defining identity. The exhibition seeks to explore themes of cultural heritage, community ties, ownership, control, and speculation related to land.

The exhibition will also address the resurgence of divisive forces and the weakening of collective civic life in South Asia and the world. By focusing on individual subjectivity and personal narratives, the artists hope to highlight the experiences of asymmetry that result from these trends. Participating artists include Vikrant Bhise, Shambhavi Singh, Birender Yadav, Debasish Mukherjee, K.R. Sunil, and the late Zarina Hashmi. The exhibit will run from January 9 to February 8, 2026.

Key Points:
* The exhibition, titled “Zameen,” will feature the works of 11 artists from across India.
* The exhibition opens on January 9, 2026, and runs until February 8, 2026, at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture in Kolkata.
* The curator, Ina Puri, emphasizes the cultural, emotional, and economic significance of land, especially in the context of globalization, colonialism, and rising nationalism.
* The exhibition aims to explore the relationship between land, identity, heritage, community ties, and conflict.
* Participating artists include Vikrant Bhise, Shambhavi Singh, Birender Yadav, Debasish Mukherjee, K.R. Sunil, and the late Zarina Hashmi.

Key Takeaways:
* The exhibition reflects a growing concern among artists about the role of land in shaping identity and fueling conflict in the modern world.
* The focus on individual narratives suggests a move towards exploring the personal impact of larger political and economic forces related to land ownership and control.
* “Zameen” serves as a platform for artists to engage in critical dialogue about the politics of land and its impact on society.

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